The biggest game of the Alabama Crimson Tide football season thus far has arrived. The Crimson Tide will be traveling to Starkville to take on the red-hot Mississippi State Bulldogs and Heisman hopeful Kamario Taylor.

But Alabama has a second-year star signal caller of its own, Keelon Russell, who has set the SEC and college football world on fire the last two weeks. So who comes out on top? I (Rob Gregson of A to Z Sports Alabama) and five of my colleagues made picks. Let’s dive in.

Alabama at Mississippi State Final Score Predictions

Alabama 35, Mississippi State 30

I’m taking both the over and the Bulldogs to play this one close in Starkville. I know GameDay is headed to Iowa City, but this is the game of the weekend. It could very well come down to which defense makes the last stop, and because of that, I’m going with Alabama to get the job done.

Keelon Russell had a rocky start in his first SEC road game against Kentucky, and I think it’s fair to say the cowbells and State fans will create an even tougher environment. But the truth is, Russell has been phenomenal in his last two games. The FSU game was his coming-out party, and last week against South Carolina, he looked comfortable start to finish. That, coupled with the better defense, should be enough for the Tide to rise above.

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Mississippi State 27, Alabama 24

“The Mississippi State Bulldogs may have the most exciting quarterback in the country, Kamario Taylor. He can make any throw and has as much zip on the ball as anyone. He makes it look completely effortless. But, this is about to be a real test for him. Alabama has the more complete roster and more ways to win, while Mississippi State has the tempo, quarterback play, home environment, and offensive explosiveness to make Alabama defend every possession. The Bulldogs can absolutely score. The question is whether they can repeatedly prevent Alabama from producing explosive plays.”

“You can’t give Russell short fields. You can’t consistently lose first down. And you can’t let Alabama turn 2nd-and-medium into favorable third downs. Eventually, Alabama’s talent and offensive versatility will force defensive adjustments. Regardless, we have seen Alabama start slowly over the last few weeks. I expect them to do that again this week, too. However, they could find themselves in a hole they haven’t been in before. Give me the Bulldogs.” – Justin Churchill, A to Z Sports Oklahoma Sooners

Alabama 37, Mississippi State 24

“Mississippi State should have enough explosive plays to keep this one competitive, with Kamario Taylor providing several big moments for the Bulldogs. However, Alabama’s offense will ultimately prove to be too much to handle. The Crimson Tide should be able to consistently move the football and put pressure on Mississippi State to keep scoring.”

“Keelon Russell continues his hot start to the season, making enough plays through the air and with his legs to keep Alabama in control. Mississippi State may have some success offensively, but the Bulldogs simply won’t be able to match Alabama’s scoring pace for four quarters. The Crimson Tide pull away late and leave with a 37-24 victory.” – Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports Notre Dame

Mississippi State 45, Alabama 42

“I am going out on a limb with Kamario Taylor, as it’s starting to get a hype that resembles early stage Johnny Manziel. At the time of his emergence, there wasn’t a team that had many believing until Manziel and Mike Evans went into Tuscaloosa and beat Alabama. Luckily for Taylor, this game is in Starkville. Alabama is a really good team led by someone I believe in, Keelon Russell, but it feels like this Mississippi State team is on a mission, and they get the big upset win on Saturday.” – Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Florida Gators

Alabama 34, Mississippi State 24

“What a fun game this one is going to be, especially with the quarterback battle. Kamario Taylor looks like the most talented quarterback in the country, and Keelon Russell is coming along nicely for Alabama. This isn’t Missouri that Mississippi State is going to have to overcome this week, but they do have the benefit of this game being at home. MSU is going to have to hit some explosive plays in this game to have a chance, as well as create a couple of turnovers.”

“Alabama needs to try to run the ball well in this game and keep it out of Taylor’s hands. If they can do that, this game is probably a double-digit difference. In the end, I just don’t think the Bulldogs have the team across the board that Alabama does, and their poor pass defense is going to get burned.” – Brandon Little, A to Z Sports Ohio State Buckeyes

Alabama 37, Mississippi State 34

“This very well could be the game of the day. Mississippi State is the story of college football without question in 2026, with Kamario Taylor being deservedly in the middle of the Heisman Trophy conversation early in the season. Alabama has had some early first half struggles on offense, but boy, have they turned it on later in games, with Keelon Russell showing why he won the starting job this offseason.”

“Both teams have shown warts on defense, with Florida State putting up 36 points two weeks ago, and Mississippi State allowing 156 receiving yards and two scores to Missouri’s Cayden Lee last week. Taylor’s elite play continues from the start, as the Bulldogs and their fans are smelling an upset at the halftime whistle. But Russell catches fire in the second half, with the ground game kicking in to retake control. Alabama’s defense locks down, and a final State drive is thwarted to get out of town with the win.” – Craig Smith, A to Z Sports Miami Hurricanes